Twenty -six year old Meriam Iberham is a liscenced phycian living in N. Sudan. The picture to the left is Meriam on her wedding day with her American husband Daniel Wani. (2011) Today, at this very moment, Meriam is imprisoned in Khartoum Women's Prison for failing to recant her Christian faith. Not only has she been detained in a filthy, over-crowed cell, on Monday of this week, she gave birth to a baby girl (Maya) with her feet still shackled to the prison floor. Now, Meriam, her 20 month old son, Martin, and new-born, are confined under horrible conditions for the cause of Christ. Because Meriam refuses to deny the Lord she has been sentenced to 100 lashes and death by hanging. (Sharia law at it's best.) (for the full story see www.theguardian.com/meriam-ibrahim) When the blood of Able cried out for vengeance, the Lord heard it's voice and confronted Cain. "Where is your brother?" Haughty and defiant, Cain, who had just murdered his brother, Able, responded to the Lord: "Why do you ask me? Am I my brother's keeper."Mankind has been asking the same question for many, many generations. And the Lord's reply has not changed:"And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise." Luke 6:31. "And the second is like, namely this: 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Mark 12:31) "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (Romans 15:1) And finally,"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13:3At this juncture in history, we have both the freedom and the responsibility to lift our voices on behalf of our sister in the Lord, Meriam Ibrahim. Her "crime" is our crime too. Even as Jesus boldly predicted: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." (John 15:8) And in Matthew 10:22, "You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."Please call out to the Judge of the whole earth on Meriam's behalf; continue to pray for her until the world news is full of her release and our victory. Besiege the Sudanese Embassies around the world with phone calls demanding Meriam's release. Obtaining phone numbers and email addresses are as close as your computer and the "Google" search. Take a few minutes out of your life and invest in the life of this one who is in our household of faith.In 1946, Martin Niemoller, a German clergyman penned these words from a Nazi prison cell:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out--Because I was not a Socialist.Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out--Because I was not a Trade Unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--Because I was not a Jew.Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

In a dream, a dear friend from Monterrey, Mexico called me and informed me that I should turn on the TV and see what is going on in Lufkin,Texas. End of dream.Because I have been a student of dreams for many years, I paid particular attention to the specificity of the message: Lufkin, Texas. Immediately, upon arising from the bed, I went to the computer and "Googled" Lufkin, Texas. I learned a lot about this East Texas community of roughly 35,000. However, my heart made no connection with the historical, cultural or social demographics of this averaged sized community. For the dream to "speak," our hearts must have that "aha" moment when connection is made from the abstract to the concrete. I was a bit frustrated that I found no relevance in the information I had gleaned. But, knowing God was trying to give me direction from my "nocturnal- news -bulletin", I wrote the dream in my journal and continued to pray over it and re-read it every few days. One morning during my regular time of prayer and meditation, I retrieved my dream journal and read again my entry concerning Lufkin, Texas. I spoke these two words out loud; slowly letting each syllable roll off my tongue in different accented combinations: "LUF...kin....Tex...as...." or "Luf...KIN....Tex....as"....or ..."Luf...kin...TEX....as"...or "Luf...kin...Tex...AS"....After completing this exercise several times a light began flickering in my heart....I said it again..."Luf ...kin...Tex...us..." Yeah!!!! I had it: "Luf= love....kin=can...Tex=test....as=us." 'LOVE CAN TEST US."Yes! I got it! The dream in the message was telling me that: LOVE CAN TEST US ! As I considered this phrase, the Holy Spirit began to download it's truth. First, God is love. And God can (has the legitimate right) to test us (to prove our devotion to Him.) How easy is it to profess our commitment to His kingdom when all is well, the flocks are thriving, the grain is in the barn the river runs deep and cool. What happens to our spiritual vows when all of life becomes a meaningless storm of pain and confusion? Is there to be found in our hearts the same response that issued forth from the mouth of His servant Job:" Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." (Job 13:15) I saw the pages of the Bible being turned like leaves falling from a giant Oak tree. On each leave was the name of one of the heroes of faith and next to their name was their "love-test" and their "grade."Abraham....commanded to sacrifice Isaac......passed "A+"Joseph......seduced by Potipher's wife.......passed "A+"Moses....commissioned to lead the Children of Israel out of bondage...passed "A+" ....commanded to speak to the Rock to release water for the Children....failed "F"Esther...commissioned to approach the King, uninvited, to save the Hebrew people.....passed "A+"Gideon...commissioned to tear down the alter of Baal....passed "A+"David...anointed to be King...waited 14 years...passed "A+_David...tempted to commit adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah's wife...failed "F"Job...tempted to curse God and die, after losing all his children and possessions....passed "A+"Jonah...commissioned to go preach repentance to the Ninevites.....failed "F"...then relented..."B"Mary...accepted divine destiny to bring forth Jesus from her womb, even though she was a virgin...passed "A+"Woman with the alabaster jar....commissioned to take her most precious possession and pour it out on Jesus...passed "A+"Judas...tempted to betray the Lord.....failed "F"Peter...called to walk on water...passed "A+"Peter...tempted to betray the Lord...failed "F"Peter...commissioned to feed His sheep...passed "A+"Jesus...tempted in every way as we are tempted, yet without sin... passed "A+" We are all called to prove our allegiance to the Lord; not that the Lord is "wondering" if we are going to pass the test! The trials are to allow us to "know" our own hearts. If we never find ourselves in the furnace of affliction, how then are we able to be "called out." (Is.48:10) If the raging, gale force winds of wanton temptation never buffet our house, how will we know our foundation stands firm. (Luke 6:48) If the hissing serpent never whispers his insidious slanders in our ears, how will we know we have the power to tread over him as an insignificant scorpion? (Luke 10:19)Yes! Love can test us. Love demands the right to prove us in every area of our lives....and...we are thankful. Always remembering that He that began a good work in us will perform it and complete it until the Day of Jesus Christ...even so "Come quickly Lord Jesus."AMEN.

Luke 15:11-32GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)The Lost Son11 Then Jesus said, “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the property.’ So the father divided his property between his two sons.13 “After a few days, the younger son gathered his possessions and left for a country far away from home. There he wasted everything he had on a wild lifestyle. 14 He had nothing left when a severe famine spread throughout that country. He had nothing to live on. 15 So he got a job from someone in that country and was sent to feed pigs in the fields. 16 No one in the country would give him any food, and he was so hungry that he would have eaten what the pigs were eating.17 “Finally, he came to his senses. He said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more food than they can eat, while I’m starving to death here? 18 I’ll go at once to my father, and I’ll say to him, “Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and you. 19 I don’t deserve to be called your son anymore. Make me one of your hired men.”’20 “So he went at once to his father. While he was still at a distance, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son, put his arms around him, and kissed him. 21 Then his son said to him, ‘Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and you. I don’t deserve to be called your son anymore.’a]" >[a]22 “The father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s celebrate with a feast. 24 My son was dead and has come back to life. He was lost but has been found.’ Then they began to celebrate. Most often we have read this parable or heard a sermon preached from this text with regards to salvation. We understand the analogy of the "lost" child that returns to the forgiveness of the "Father." This is such a beautifully clear illustration of our Creator, who is ready and willing to receive us into the eternal family. However, perhaps, we should also consider the analogous nature of this parable as regards to all of us in the family that at some point in our spiritual journey veer off the beaten path, make a wrong turn, or are drawn away by the allurements of Vanity Fair. Those of us who have walked the narrow path for several decades must still recognize we are vulnerable to the schemes of the enemy and we too can find ourselves in a "country far away from home." (vs. 13 above) It is at this very critical juncture, when we realize that our soul is in spiritual famine that we must, as the wayward son that Jesus described, "come to our senses.." When all the spiritual reserve that we have accumulated over years of service to the Lord have evaporated, when our inner man has weakened unto death from soul-starvation, we must acknowledge our plight and repent, lest we continue to that place of no return. It is this cross-road that truly tests the fabric of who we are, as opposed to whom we think we are. It is here in the heat of the battle for our eternal destination that our true DNA would be revealed. As in the parable, the wanderer, one day "awoke." This moment of divine insight is truly a gift from the Lord. For again, Jesus speaks clearly concerning spiritual repair, "No one can come ...unless the Father draws them." ( John 6:44) Even in a state of spiritual malaise, the Father draws the child. The Divine Parent issues a heart cry that dispels the darkness holding the off-spring to sinful obeisance and obliterates the chains that bind. Sometimes, it comes with a lightning bolt of decisive discernment: truth flashes like a neon-sign in the consciousness of the recalcitrant and change is confirmed with a heart, running back to the Throne. Others, find the process more arduous and painful...the knowledge of departure from the presence of the Padre comes with overwhelming sorrow and guilt. Laden with shame and confusion the self-punishing pilgrim desires reunion, but disdains failure. The road home, though sought, is paved with ever so slow, self-masticating steps of remorse and intrepidation. Nevertheless, in a moment of time or in the prolonged period of repentance, the road back home is chosen. It is the drawing to the Father that confirms our identity. It is the denying of the world, the flesh and the devil that illuminates the path and provides safe passage into His waiting arms. And for all who reverse their course and make their way back, the result looks the same: 20 " While he was still at a distance, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son, put his arms around him, and kissed him."The affection that is felt at that moment, the affirmation of son-ship, the awareness of family acceptance is all encompassed in the unwarranted and unconditional Love of the One who is always waiting. Our feet, our feet of clay have the power to stray from the path of righteousness, but our heart, our circumcised heart will not give us rest till we return. The One who has purposed we be with Him rejoices with each step back to His house. Jesus described the joy of the Father in great detail: 22 “The father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s celebrate with a feast. 24 My son was dead and has come back to life. He was lost but has been found.’ Then they began to celebrate.The Father will lose no time in restoring His child to unity of purpose, with parental passion. Robes of righteousness are freely draped about the slumped shoulders of the weary prodigal, the royal ring of authority freely bestowed on our fingers replaces failure with the authority of the Family Name, sandals that shod our feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace will silence the enemy and assure our embattled souls that all is well between us and our Gracious Father. He is the Lord the God of all flesh and nothing is too difficult for Him!! "And surely there is more joy in heaven over one that repents than over the ninety-nine that do not need to repent." (Luke 15:7) AMEN ! DON'T DELAY COME HOME DAY...HE IS WAITING FOR YOU....

Proverbs 31, is known as the chapter that describes what has come to be referred to in churchdom as "The Virtuous Woman." I spent many years trying to emulate this extraordinary female that has captured the admiration of the faithful. Just consider her innate qualities: 1) loyalty and devotion to her husband that inspires complete confidence in her mate (vs 11)...2) her life is a testimony of marital bliss and blessing (vs.12) ...3) an experienced seamstress, she not only makes her own garments, but spins the wool into yarn as well [read makes her own material] (vs. 13)...4) an extreme "coupon-er" she searches out the best deals on all her grocery purchases (vs. 14) ...5) an early riser she makes breakfast for her family and her servants [might consider delegating] (vs.15) ...6) savvy in real estate, she knows how to bargain and buy a nice piece of property (vs.16)...7) after she purchases the land she plants a vineyard with her own hands (vs.16) ...8) not lazy concerning her physical well-being as she follows a exercise routine [after one of her 'normal' days, would she really need to do sit-ups?] ) ...9) an entrepreneur, she works far into the night to prepare her merchandise[is this burning the candle at both ends?] (vs. 18-19)...10) concerned with others as well as her own household, she is actively involved in outreaches to the poor and needy in her community[delivering food baskets and gently used clothing] (vs. 20)...11) she is courageous and fearless, even in the face of the cold realities of life, she has made spiritual as well as physical preparations for her children (vs. 21) ...12) not content to buy her clothes on the sale rack, she makes her own silk garments [her mother probably told her 'if you will have a thing well done, do it yourself] (vs.22)...13) she is the woman behind the important man that gains the public recognition (vs. 23)...14) another small business is birthed from her home as she delivers her fine linen garments to the local boutiques (vs. 24)...15) so anointed is this woman that she has a reputation of wisdom and kindness (vs. 26-27)...16) she eats not the bread of idleness [understatement]...17) her children and husband rise up and call her blessed! (vs. 28)....Wow! Just reading and recounting this lady's daily routine makes me tired and feeling rather "slackardly." : ( Enter the Holy Spirit and the following dialogue: HOLY SPIRIT: "...AND WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE OF YOU?" ME: Uhmmmm?HOLY SPIRIT: ..."TO DO JUSTLY, AND TO LOVE MERCY , AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD."ME: (long sigh---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Immediately after the above exchange with the Spirit of Truth, I had this thought: " What exactly does the word 'virtuous mean and how did Jesus apply this truth?" And so...Virtuous: the Hebrew word is "chayil"; meaning strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army, ability and forceTherefore, by application, the "Virtuous" woman is a woman that possess strength, might, efficiency, wealth, warfare like abilities, and is forceful. (reads more like a list of personality characteristics that might get someone in the church setting labeled as having a "Jezebel" spirit or in the culture wars an ALPHA-DOMINATING FELINE...ugh!) Which brings us to the second question posed by the Holiest Spirit: "How did Jesus apply this truth?"The following is what I gleaned from the Word and the guidance of the One who has been sent to lead us into all truth. A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS A STRONG WOMAN. I FOUND THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST THREE AREAS THAT ARE COMMENDED BY OUR LORD IN WHICH WE SHOULD BE STRONG:1) Strong in "secluding" ourselves: Mark 1:35 " And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Song of Solomon 2: 10-13 " My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, and the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one and come away. Jesus shows us by example that our first priority each day is time spent with him. It is the one-on-one that grows our friendship and endears us to His divine presence. We are invited to "come away with Him" early because it is in that secluded place of intimacy we drink deeply of his mercies that are new toward us each morning. (Lamentations 3:21-26) Drawing ourselves apart as a daily first-fruit offering underscores our hearts determination to "love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our mind, all our soul and all our strength (virtue)."2) Strong in "abiding." John 15:1-9 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ABIDE in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it ABIDE in the vine; no more can you, except you ABIDE in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that ABIDETH in me, and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If a man ABIDE not in me he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you ABIDE in me and my words ABIDE in you, ye shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples. As the father hath loved me, so have I love you; continue in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall ABIDE in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and ABIDE in His love."

The key word here is, of course, ABIDE. Defined: to remain, tarry, not to depart, to continue to be present, to be held, kept, to last, to endure, to remain as one, not to become another or different.

Abiding with the Lord will, of necessity make us different from others. Our priorities will change, our desires purified, our ambitions destroyed, all at the feet of Jesus. We all recall the account of Jesus' visit to the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. It was a big social event and many people would have been present: the disciples, friends and family members, neighbors and seekers. It fell upon the host home to provide food and refreshment for all who entered their home. Martha was taking this "cultural responsibility" very seriously. After all, someone had to do it! Mary, on the other hand, was completely smitten with the presence of Jesus and the gracious words pouring forth from Him like living water. Lost in His divinity, she positioned herself humbly at His feet to indicate His Lordship in her life and her desire to prefer Him above all earthly demands. When harried Martha had endured all this domestic abuse she could take she raised her voice in objection: "Lord do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.!" And Jesus answered her, Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things; ONE THING IS NEEDFUL; AND MARY HATH CHOSEN THE GOOD PART, WHICH SHALL NOT BE TAKEN FROM HER." The virtuous woman is the woman of strength that chooses to ABIDE with the Lord even when the pressures of life would carry us away, even when family and friends paint us with a broad brush of neglect of laziness. When we prefer the position of humbly sitting at the feet of Jesus people will notice. The virtuous woman will choose the 'good part' and it will not be taken from her.

3) Strong in obediance. Matt. 26:7-13 " There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying: To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them" Why trouble you the woman? for she has wrought a good work upon me. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily, I say unto you,Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her."What was involved in this extraordinary display of love and devotion. An alabaster box of precious ointment. Bible scholars agree that the fine oil was purchased at the cost of a whole year's salary and kept for the time of anointing a loved one for burial. This nameless pilgrim, so gave by the direction of the Holy Spirit, that her extravagant act of worship drew the ire of the religious and the praise of Jesus. Her strong obedience fulfilled prophecy as the Lamb of God was prepared to be offered and earned her recognition that has endured for over two thousand years. Mary Magdeline found herself alone, weeping at the empty tomb of Jesus. Broken hearted, she mourned for the only One that had ever cared for her, the One that had brought sanity into her life, the One that had offered her worth and peace. So distraught was this devastated disciple that she failed to recognize the Lord's voice, "Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus saith unto her, "Mary." When Mary heard her name on His lips she immediately turned to see Jesus and called to , "Master!" Jesus then commissioned Mary to go and tell the other disciples that He was alive and it was time for Him to ascend to the Father. "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her." (John 20: 11-18) Mary obeyed the Lord and she did so quickly. Back to our famous "virtuous" woman in Proverbs 31. The 10th verse states: "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her worth is far above rubies." If we take the liberty to translate the word "virtuous" as it is translated in the majority of other passages in the Bible that use the word "chayil," it would read: "Who can find a strong woman? for her worth is far above rubies." And what are the strengths that Jesus himself commended ? Strong to seclude themselves, "come away with me my beloved." Strong to abide with him, " ABIDE in me and I and you...apart from me you can do nothing." And strong in obedience, "those that love me obey my commandment." The virtuous woman. The strong woman. The woman Christ commends. AMEN!

I found a reprieve in what we call, "the quiet room." It is fun to have family members for a special meal, however, loud conversations, rowdy children and an air conditioner that refused to cool finally forced me to retreat. I had slipped out of the dining area to find a cooler, quieter place to contemplate. Raising the foot rest on the green recliner and closing my eyes, I was surprised to hear a single note on the piano sound loud and clear. I opened my eyes and glanced at the old mahogany upright that had once belonged to my parents. There was no one at the keyboard or in the room. Yet, I was positive I heard a single note struck, strong and melodic. I waited expectantly to hear another, but no. There had only been one note sounded. Just one. As unusual as it is to hear a piano "play itself," I was listening now for a spiritual connection. A single sound...only one...unmistakenly singular...my heart began to speak to my mind about the power in single circumstances, the impact of the number ﻿﻿one: one sunrise after a storm, one phone call that changes your world, one smile that scatters your insignificance, one son that bears your name, one daughter that has your eyes, one vow that changes your destiny, one light that shatters the darkness, one song that lifts your heart, one voice that excites your inner-being, one sermon that brings eternity near, one friend that knows your tears, one dog that sleeps at your feet, one bird that sings the morning into day, one shooting star that responds to a dream, one prayer that releases heaven, ﻿one﻿ snake that brought the curse...one encounter with Christ.One encounter with Christ: one woman caught in the very act of adultery, heard one sentence "...neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more." One dead friend responded to One loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." One distraught mother received freedom for her demonizeddaughter. One night time seeker asked how to be born again. One healed leper out of 10 returned to thank the One who had made him whole. One felon on a cross asked the innocent crucified for mercy and was granted paradise. One empty tomb that has the power to forever change every one. There is no insignificance in the power of one, it is in the "One" that many have come to salvation. The call of God on your life is the power of your soul to participate in His grand design; do not ignore it, become the one that loudly declares, "Here I am, I am only one, but send me Lord. I am one."....you may be only one, but you are one...never underestimate the power of one.

Trying to arouse two eleven year olds and a twelve year old every morning by 6:30 is sometimes a challenge. No, honestly, it is always a challenge. So I have incorporated different breakfast themes to pic their interest in what Mom may have in store for them when the breakfast bell rings. "Breakfast by candle-light," is one of my favorites. Dim lights are easy on the eyes, soothing to the soul and accompanied by soft music, sets the stage for a very low stress wake-up call. Choosing the eating utensils to imitate a high-end restaurant changes the "ho-hum" of toast on paper-towels or raman noodles out of a pre-packaged paper cup into something magical and exquisite. I play the roll of the "server," escorting each child to their seat and asking if they prefer apple juice or water with their meal. This occasional fantasy breaks the monotony of the morning morose and ushers in a light-heartedness that is often eschewed in the rush to get everyone out the door by 7:30 am. Yesterday was once again time for, not Breakfast at Tiffiney's, but breakfast "En La Cocina de Mama." The blue goblet juice glass looked very nice next to the white and blue chine, all vintage items from four decades of matrimonial treasure chest. The deep yellow of the scrambled country eggs was perfect next to the toasty brown of home-made biscuits...nice! All was well until...one sleepy customer yawned deeply, spreading her arms like a baby bird getting ready to take it's first flight...flapping her "wings" she accidentally knocked the blue goblet off the table and onto the tile floor....explosion; apple juice and tiny shreds of blue crystal lay scattered over a large radius of the kitchen floor. She stared horrified at my blank expression. The pain in her eyes was enough correction and/or punishment. She hid her face in shame and ran to her room. I dutifully began the clean up, with admittedly a bit of sadness in my heart. "If I had only left it on the shelf...." Blue goblets are meant to be used to bring refreshment to the users. They enhance the overall cuisineal experience with their beauty. However, there is always a risk when the blue goblet leaves the shelf that it will not return in the same shape or form it left with...or it may never return. As Christians, we are much like blue goblets. We are to serve and beautify where ever the Lord places us. Unfortunately, the fear of being mishandled, chipped or irreparably broken keeps many of us safely tucked away in the China cabinet. Thus we are guaranteed that we will always "look" like blue goblets, but will we every fulfill the dream of the designer that crafted us in to blue goblets to begin with? The blue goblet Christians that allow the Master to serve others with their lives will most assuredly have their appearance changed in the process. Many times careless hands, unthoughtful imbibers, or accidental encounters with indifferent diners shatter our hearts into thousands of tiny pieces too small to even pick up. Seems such a waste..."if we had only stayed on the shelf.""So, I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something on the wheel...but the jar that he was making from the clay became flawed in the potter's hand, so he made it into another jar, as it seemed right for him to do...then the Word of the Lord came to me saying: ...like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand...Come let us return to the Lord, He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." (Jeremiah 18:3 and Hosea 6:1-3)As Christians, we are painfully aware of our own brokenness or our part in breaking another vessel. One look at the disappointment on the Father's face is truly punishment/correction enough for the pain we have inflicted upon ourselves and others. The "Good News" is that the Lord is on our side. Like the Perfect Parent,(potter) He patiently cleans up the mess and then because He is God, he puts all the pieces back together....reshaped, and remade in His image for His honor and His glory," a vessel meet for His service." Only the Lord....amen.